Laborers Local 362, Bloomington, Illinois, recently completed its 27th annual "Christmas for Kids" party, co-hosted with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.  Almost 400 children enjoyed carnival games, cartoons, costumed characters, arts and crafts activities and a visit from Santa, with a grab-bag and gift for each child.  Local 362 is also aiding the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots with their December 23 basket and toy distribution.

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas L. Kilbride (center) received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Lewis University during the 2009 Winter Commencement for Graduate Students. Lewis University President Brother James Gaffney, FSC (left) and Lewis University Board of Trustees chair James Goodwin (right) presented Justice Kilbride with the degree during Saturday’s ceremony. Justice Kilbride was bestowed the honor for “his generous service and career devoted to the public good,” including his efforts to ensure that every person has equal access to justice. Justice Kilbride represents the Third Judicial District, which is comprised of 21 Illinois counties on either side of Interstate 80 from Indiana to Iowa.  Kilbride was formerly a member of Laborers Local 751, Kankakee, Illinois.

The Ottawa Times recently covered Laborers Local 393's GPS training and classes.mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php

The following officers were elected at the August 2009 meeting of the Great Plains Laborers District Council (left to right): Bob Schroeder, Local 231, Auditor; Tony Penn, Local 362, Executive Board; Bill Gerhard, Local 309, Secretary-Treasurer; Mike Brecht, Local 43, Executive Board; Ken Diehl, Local 727, Auditor; Mike Smith, Local 751, Vice-President; Rocky Raikes, Sergeant-at-Arms; Mike Tuthill, Local 538, Auditor; Lenny Leo, Local 177, Executive Board; Frank Hovar, Local 32, Business Manager; Charlie Shempf, Local 165, President. The officers were sworn in on August 27 by Laborers Midwest Region Manager and Laborers International Union Vice-President John Penn.